Nothing says World Oceans Day like swimming in one of San Diego’s underwater state parks – and picking up trash to protect it. That’s why 9 a.m on Saturday, June 11, at its La Jolla Shores beach cleanup (8302 Camino Del Oro), San Diego Coastkeeper will give the first 50 volunteers a free Marine Protected Area (MPA) rash guard to wear for doing good and having fun.
As well, volunteers will receive a free SnapBasket, a collapsible, self-standing reusable bag that keeps plastic litter out of our water (but won’t let your milk crush your bread like traditional reusable grocery bags). 
Like Earth Day but for our oceans, World Oceans Day (which is officially celebrated on June 8) is a global designation by the United Nations General Assembly. 
Often referred to as “underwater state parks,” Marine Protected Areas are small areas where laws restrict or prohibit extractive use (such as fishing or kelp harvest). Marine Protected Areas increase fish populations by providing a safe haven where fish can live and grow larger, increasing the likelihood of successful reproduction.
San Diego’s Marine Protected Areas, which range from the Batiquitos Lagoon No-Take State Marine Conservation Area in the north to the Tijuana River Mouth State/Federal Marine Conservation area in the south, provide important protection to wildlife along the coast of Southern California, and they also preserve heritage for surfers, swimmers, kayakers, and beachgoers.